Romans 3:10
As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.
Romans 3:23
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 5:12
As sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.
Romans 8:13,14
If you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Romans 6:23
The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:8 niv
God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 10:9-10
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus as Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Romans 10:13
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 5:1
Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 8:1
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:38-39
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Does God Exist?
Only the foolish, rebellious people have to deal with the question of the existence of God. His existence is self-evident to anyone who bothers to address the question. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:20 & 21
In 2008, radio talk-show host Glen Beck asked the following question: “Why all this talk about who is a Christian and who isn’t a Christian? Don’t we all believe in God?”
The answer to that question is: “Perhaps most do, however, those who simply believe in God are not Christians.” Even Satan believes in God. So do Muslims, Mormons (like Mr. Beck), Hindus, Buddhists, etc.
The important question, as all Christians know, is: Do you believe in Jesus Christ? More specifically do you believe He is God, come in the form of man to show you how to live, pay the penalty for your sins and reconcile you unto Him? Do you believe INTO Jesus Christ? Have you accepted His forgiveness of your sins, His authority (as God) to do so, and are you now indwelled by His Spirit and experiencing His salvation from the world, from sin, from your sins, from your self, and from Satan?
This is the real question: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
“What about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16: 15 & 16
In 2008, radio talk-show host Glen Beck asked the following question: “Why all this talk about who is a Christian and who isn’t a Christian? Don’t we all believe in God?”
The answer to that question is: “Perhaps most do, however, those who simply believe in God are not Christians.” Even Satan believes in God. So do Muslims, Mormons (like Mr. Beck), Hindus, Buddhists, etc.
The important question, as all Christians know, is: Do you believe in Jesus Christ? More specifically do you believe He is God, come in the form of man to show you how to live, pay the penalty for your sins and reconcile you unto Him? Do you believe INTO Jesus Christ? Have you accepted His forgiveness of your sins, His authority (as God) to do so, and are you now indwelled by His Spirit and experiencing His salvation from the world, from sin, from your sins, from your self, and from Satan?
This is the real question: “Who do you say Jesus is?”
“What about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16: 15 & 16
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
It should have been me
Easter week is upon us and I find myself thinking about: David in Ft Lewis getting ready to go to Iraq in a week or so; Christine & Nate in Moorhead continuing the fight against the flood waters; Brian looking for a job and working at getting his business going; the music we have to learn for the Good Friday Service and Easter morning; and the guests that are coming to my house and what I will feed them...
BUT, for a moment at least, I hit "pause" on the brain chatter...
It should have been my hands and it should have been my feet where the nails were. I know the truth is, the debt was mine to pay. It should have been my side that was cut open and it should have been my heart that was broken.
At times I overlook His grace and the sacrifice He made. Sometimes I'm busy living the life He has given me to live and thinking I'm worth the love He freely gives. Sometimes I run the race like I've earned the right. Then I look at the cross and I realize all over again:
It should have been me.
BUT, for a moment at least, I hit "pause" on the brain chatter...
It should have been my hands and it should have been my feet where the nails were. I know the truth is, the debt was mine to pay. It should have been my side that was cut open and it should have been my heart that was broken.
At times I overlook His grace and the sacrifice He made. Sometimes I'm busy living the life He has given me to live and thinking I'm worth the love He freely gives. Sometimes I run the race like I've earned the right. Then I look at the cross and I realize all over again:
It should have been me.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Where Did the Month Go?
Wow! Where did the last month go? David has been gone for a month now. After getting quite sick when he first got there, he is now doing quite well. Check out his blog for updates. We talk to him about once a week... sometimes longer... sometimes shorter.
Last week we had a couple days when the temps didn't get out of the single digits, got 8 inches of snow, and had 20-30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. This week we have reached record highs... up into the 50's! The snow is almost all gone. Next week: rain. Spring is here but we keep reminding ourselves that we have at least a month left of snow potential.
On March 14th we attended a funeral of a friend of ours: Bob Huisinga. He and his wife, Lennie, had been married 62 years and Bob had just turned 85. Dean and I realized that we are only half way there... we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this summer. That night, we went to the YFC Banquet at the Holiday Inn. Nice evening with Gregg & Linda Hanson, wonderful testimonies from three young people, and a great speaker.
Last Saturday morning we had a special choir rehearsal. We are practicing for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We also practice every Thursday night. As of two weeks ago, I am finished teaching on Wednesday nights... the class started last September. We have Life Group every Tuesday night. Three nights away from home per week doesn't leave much time to do things around the house.
The past several days at work I have been searching the internet for holiday dates for the next six years. We publish calendars and the art department needs to know accurate dates. I confirm the dates from three different sites. It is amazing how many sites have the data wrong. Some are more reliable than others and I have learned that over the years. It's fun research but hard not to get distracted reading about the holidays when you get to a particularily good site.
Happy March!
Last week we had a couple days when the temps didn't get out of the single digits, got 8 inches of snow, and had 20-30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph. This week we have reached record highs... up into the 50's! The snow is almost all gone. Next week: rain. Spring is here but we keep reminding ourselves that we have at least a month left of snow potential.
On March 14th we attended a funeral of a friend of ours: Bob Huisinga. He and his wife, Lennie, had been married 62 years and Bob had just turned 85. Dean and I realized that we are only half way there... we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this summer. That night, we went to the YFC Banquet at the Holiday Inn. Nice evening with Gregg & Linda Hanson, wonderful testimonies from three young people, and a great speaker.
Last Saturday morning we had a special choir rehearsal. We are practicing for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We also practice every Thursday night. As of two weeks ago, I am finished teaching on Wednesday nights... the class started last September. We have Life Group every Tuesday night. Three nights away from home per week doesn't leave much time to do things around the house.
The past several days at work I have been searching the internet for holiday dates for the next six years. We publish calendars and the art department needs to know accurate dates. I confirm the dates from three different sites. It is amazing how many sites have the data wrong. Some are more reliable than others and I have learned that over the years. It's fun research but hard not to get distracted reading about the holidays when you get to a particularily good site.
Happy March!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
When You Get Home
The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Departure Ceremony was held on February 10, 2009 in the Roy Wilkins Auditorium, St Paul, MN. My son, David, was among the 1,037 MN National Guard soldiers heading for Iraq. For more information and a podcast go to: http://theredbulls.org/file3
GP Leighton sang this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BNsgJDMSaI&feature=related
He was born November 29 (March 15)
Mamma held him and his Daddy cried
Six years later still tears in his eyes
Daddy held him as he said goodbye
"So many places you will go
Have fun at camp son, I hope you know
When you get home, We’ll go buy an ice cream
Get your bike out and ride again
When you get home, Fly a paper airplane
Shoot it over the fire wood
I’ll be here for you... when you get home
He left home September 13 (June 2003)
Going off to college to chase his dream
Got some help in the ROTC
Trying to figure out what being a man really means
"So many places that you will go
Have fun at school son, I hope you know
When you get home, Look for an apartment
Find a car with some miles left
When you get home, We’ll go catch a ball game
Boards of summer be playing soon
I’ll be there for you... When you get home
He went to war March 2003 (2009)
Shook his dad's hand, Gave his mom a kiss
His mamma cried "son you will be missed!"
Daddy sighed and said "remember this:
So many places that you will go
Son we love you and hope you know
When you get home, Prayers, they will be answered
And I’ll be able to breath again
When you get home, Flags they will be flying
Freedom's colors red, white and blue
We’ll all be here for you… when you get home
I’ll be there for you… when you get home"
GP Leighton sang this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BNsgJDMSaI&feature=related
He was born November 29 (March 15)
Mamma held him and his Daddy cried
Six years later still tears in his eyes
Daddy held him as he said goodbye
"So many places you will go
Have fun at camp son, I hope you know
When you get home, We’ll go buy an ice cream
Get your bike out and ride again
When you get home, Fly a paper airplane
Shoot it over the fire wood
I’ll be here for you... when you get home
He left home September 13 (June 2003)
Going off to college to chase his dream
Got some help in the ROTC
Trying to figure out what being a man really means
"So many places that you will go
Have fun at school son, I hope you know
When you get home, Look for an apartment
Find a car with some miles left
When you get home, We’ll go catch a ball game
Boards of summer be playing soon
I’ll be there for you... When you get home
He went to war March 2003 (2009)
Shook his dad's hand, Gave his mom a kiss
His mamma cried "son you will be missed!"
Daddy sighed and said "remember this:
So many places that you will go
Son we love you and hope you know
When you get home, Prayers, they will be answered
And I’ll be able to breath again
When you get home, Flags they will be flying
Freedom's colors red, white and blue
We’ll all be here for you… when you get home
I’ll be there for you… when you get home"
Friday, February 6, 2009
Brothers & Sisters
From the time they are born, our brothers and sisters are our collaborators and co-conspirators, our role models and cautionary tales. They are our scolds, protectors, goads, tormentors, playmates, counselors, sources of envy, objects of pride. They teach us how to resolve conflicts and how not to; how to conduct friendships and when to walk away from them. Sisters teach brothers about the mysteries of girls; brothers teach sisters about the puzzle of boys. Our spouses arrive comparatively late in our lives; our parents eventually leave us. Our siblings may be the only people we'll ever know who truly qualify as partners for life... & are with us for the whole journey. In a world that's too big, too scary and too often too lonely, we come to realize that there's nothing like having a band of brothers—and sisters—to venture out with. Time Magazine, July 2006
Dedicated to Cora Jean, Fred, Neal, Don, Audrey, Lawrence and Dave.
Dedicated to Cora Jean, Fred, Neal, Don, Audrey, Lawrence and Dave.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
I Love God
I love everything about God. I love His grace and mercy and I love His justice and honor. I love His Word, His Son, and His Spirit. I love His people and being a part of His Church, His “living” stones. I love that He has entrusted to me the teaching of the deep things of Himself. I love how He reveals Himself to His people. I love how He loves me through His Son and reveals that love to me through His Spirit and manifests His love to me through my husband, my children, and my family. I love His plan… a plan that gives us a hope and a future.
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)